In college I never did an all nighter, because I would prep beforehand. In preparation for company I will cook as much as I can and set the table the day before. If I am going to be speaking I start planning as soon as I get the invitation.
I do all this because I can’t stand the stress feeling that comes with the last minute panic. Honestly, my motive is an attempt to keep myself peaceful throughout an otherwise stressful situation.
But the Lord’s ways are different than my ways. I don’t need to stop being a prepper, but I do need to acknowledge that that is not where my peace comes from.
Eph. 6:15 “and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.”
In other words, my peace doesn’t come from being ready—but my being ready comes from God’s peace given from His Word.
The truth is, all the preparation in the world doesn’t trump knowing God and being in tune with His Spirit. If I ace a test, serve a five star meal, or speak with great eloquence it means nothing without God’s love and wisdom guiding me.
Readiness comes from the gospel of peace, I will never be ready until I put the Gospel into the center of my life. And when the Gospel is my motivation then I have peace despite failure, persecution, rejection, or success, acceptance or embrace.
Thank you Lord for Your peace.